Chapter 3: Problem 19
Factor the polynomial completely, and find all its zeros. State the multiplicity of each zero. $$P(x)=x^{2}+25$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Factor: \((x + 5i)(x - 5i)\). Zeros: \(-5i\) and \(5i\), each with multiplicity 1.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the type of polynomial
The polynomial given is \( P(x) = x^2 + 25 \). This is a quadratic polynomial lacking the linear term, therefore it resembles the form \( x^2 + c \).
02
Recognize it as a sum of squares
The polynomial \( x^2 + 25 \) can be recognized as a sum of squares: \( x^2 + 5^2 \). Recall that a sum of squares does not factor into real factors, but can be expressed using imaginary numbers.
03
Factor using complex numbers
To factor \( x^2 + 25 \) using complex numbers, we use the identity for the sum of squares: \( x^2 + a^2 = (x + ai)(x - ai) \). Here, \( a = 5 \). Therefore, the factorization is \( P(x) = (x + 5i)(x - 5i) \).
04
Determine the zeros
To find the zeros of the polynomial, set \( (x + 5i)(x - 5i) = 0 \). This results in \( x + 5i = 0 \) or \( x - 5i = 0 \). Solving these equations gives the zeros \( x = -5i \) and \( x = 5i \).
05
State the multiplicity of each zero
Each zero \( x = -5i \) and \( x = 5i \) arises from a linear factor occurring exactly once, so each zero has a multiplicity of 1.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Polynomials
Quadratic polynomials are mathematical expressions of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), where \( a \), \( b \), and \( c \) are constants and \( a eq 0 \). Typically, they represent symmetrical curves in a graph known as parabolas. In this exercise, the polynomial \( P(x) = x^2 + 25 \) is a simple quadratic without the linear \( bx \) term. Thus, the expression is often called a "pure" or "basic" quadratic. Understanding quadratic polynomials:
- The highest degree term is \( x^2 \), making it a second-degree polynomial.
- Coefficients \( a \) and \( c \) dictate the shape and position of the parabola on the Cartesian plane.
- In the case of \( x^2 + 25 \), \( a = 1 \), \( b = 0 \), and \( c = 25 \).
Complex Numbers
Complex numbers extend our understanding of numbers beyond the real axis. They consist of a real part and an imaginary part, typically expressed as \( a + bi \), where \( i \) is the imaginary unit defined by \( i^2 = -1 \).Key insights into complex numbers:
- Real components are numbers we typically encounter on the number line, like 3 or -7.
- The imaginary part involves \( i \), enabling solutions to equations where real numbers alone fall short, such as square roots of negative numbers.
- In our example, solutions use the imaginary unit, introducing new possibilities for factoring quadratics like \( x^2 + 25 \).
Sum of Squares
The expression \( x^2 + 25 \) is recognized as a sum of squares, which in mathematics refers to expressions of the form \( a^2 + b^2 \). Unlike the difference of squares, the sum is not factorable using real numbers alone. It requires a dive into complex numbers.How to handle the sum of squares:
- In non-real solutions, it uses the identity: \( x^2 + a^2 = (x + ai)(x - ai) \).
- This approach leads to complex factors if \( a \) and \( b \) are positive real numbers.
- For \( x^2 + 25 \), simplifying it to \( x^2 + 5^2 \), the factors become \( (x + 5i)(x - 5i) \).
Polynomial Zeros
Zeros of a polynomial are the values of \( x \) that make the polynomial equal to zero, effectively the solutions or roots of the polynomial equation. For the polynomial \( P(x) = x^2 + 25 \), the zeros are determined using its factorization.Understanding polynomial zeros:
- They indicate points where the graph of the polynomial intersects the x-axis when real.
- Zeros are found by setting each factor of the polynomial to zero and solving for \( x \).
- In our context, factorization was made possible through the use of complex numbers, resulting in zeros: \( x = -5i \) and \( x = 5i \).